Human Hands Evolved for Punching?

On a basic level, it makes sense, but at the same time, one thing about this article bothers me - if some of the selective pressure involved in shaping the modern human fist was for punching, why is it that throwing an effective punch is so difficult for an untrained fighter? I suppose even a bad punch is better than a slap, but I'm still not 100% convinced on this one.

The link DCS posted has a pretty thorough discussion on the topic, the general consensus being that the evolutionary utility of the hand is its dexterity and ability to manipulate tools, over the ability to fistfight.

I disagree with some of the article - like the last line that says aggressive behavior no longer serves an evolutionary purpose. That's pure feelgood hippie garbage.

I think you're misunderstanding that line. Saying aggressive behavior no longer serves an evolutionary purpose is not the same thing as saying that aggressive behavior is no longer called for. Remember, the same guy who you're quoting said, only a few lines above that, "The bottom line is that women need to fight and defend themselves too."

What he means when he says that aggressive behavior no longer serves an evolutionary purpose is that humans, for the most part, are no longer being naturally selected according to their capacity for aggressive behavior. The wimps are having babies just as fast as the badasses.

The link DCS posted has a pretty thorough discussion on the topic, the general consensus being that the evolutionary utility of the hand is its dexterity and ability to manipulate tools, over the ability to fistfight.

And manipulate food; the most important use of any animal's naturally evolved "tool set" is to feed. The same goes for the shape of teeth.

Before man built fire or homes, he had to crush open grapefruit and coconuts and pineapples and melons by evolving the hammer fist.

Humans may not use it much today for eating, but our evolutionary relatives do.

Here is an actual monkey hitting itself with a banana to break it open and eat it.